“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” ~Dr. Seuss (1904-1991), American writer & poet
It’s Friday.
It’s summer.
I’ll keep it brief(er) today.
The older I get, the more comfortable I am being me — the real me. Not the “who do you think I should be” me.
I’m OK with being different — and I also don’t have to be different just to make a point. Or to get noticed.
In Your Words: What makes you stand out in a crowd? Come on, tell me. I’d really like to know.
I’m visiting over at Michelle Lim’s blog today, talking about what’s beyond the bend in the writing road. I hope you drop by!
Comments 32
I’ve had some unusual and adventurous life experiences that have often made me not “fit-in” easily, but on the other hand I’m learning they can make me “interesting” and acceptable to those people able to stretch to include new things, and I’m okay with that.
Oh the places you’ll go, Dee. Oh the people you’ll see.
😉
LOVE THIS PICTURE!!! What a great reminder, Beth. I think I stand out in a crowd because of the random way I blurt ideas(blessing and a curse that one).
🙂
I admire your “what do you think about this? Or this? Or this?” ability, Michelle!
Love the photo, but it does remind me a little too much of myself, the one year I played in our high school marching band. LOL
Isn’t it wonderful getting comfortable with who we are? It took me many years to get here, and I’m not going back!!
That’s a difficult question, about standing out in a crowd. It’s so hard, if not impossible, to see ourselves as others see us. (And it seems like an important issue to ponder in regards to our story-people.)
Thanks, Beth!!
ROTFL, Patti!
Me+ Marching Band = a disaster. Which is why I never tried it!
Umm…the constant presence of a beverage in my hand. (Coffee in the morning, Diet Coke with Lime in the afternoon) Okay, I guess that’s not that different. Possibly messy hair. Sometimes a hat.
But seriously, I like the idea of finding our uniqueness, the natural, unforced things that stand out about us…and then embracing those things, letting them shine.
Love your hats, Melissa.
I can’t wear ’em. I feel like a sign pops up that reads: LOOK! She’s wearing a hat!
One thing people have said to me is that I am an encourager. So, I think that may just be what makes me stand out in a figurative crowd, if not a literal one. 🙂 Are you going to answer the question too? 🙂
Yes, you are an encourager.
And, yes, I will answer the question.
I think my sense of humor makes me stand out in a crowd. My laughter …
YES! This is it exactly! Freedom to be who we were designed to me. Not living to impress. Love this!
~ Wendy
🙂
I think you live to embrace that freedom, Wendy.
Um, cuz I’ll randomly bust out singing in crowds? Seriously, my friend and I sang the Little Mermaid song…on the shuttle bus in college. Boo-yah.
😛
OK, Lindsay — I want to see you bust out in song at ACFW.
I double-dog-dare you!
It just might happen…
I just might join you. 🙂
We now have a duet.
Honestly? My big loud cackles. Everyone knows I’m in the room. I can’t laugh quietly. It’s scary. LOL
A distinctive laugh is a beautiful thing.
Seriously.
I love the Dr. Seuss quote, Beth! That’s awesome. I have no clue what makes me stand out in a crowd other than the fact that I’m tall and can normally see over most of the crowd when in heels. 🙂
Really?
You’re tall?
For some reason, in my head you are petite.
In heals, I top 6′. And with blonde hair, it’s a tad noticeable. I think I like your idea of being petite, though. 🙂
I always wanted to be petite, Donna. I am 5′ 7 3/4 inches. (Not quite 8 inches.) So, put me in heels …
I was a tow-head blonde as a kiddo … and still think of myself as a blonde …
😉
I’m a good listener. I can be at work or shopping, and people are drawn to talk to me – some are strangers and share their problems with me. I had one elderly man (at a deli counter who struck up a conversation with me) tell me that my eyes shine with “soul and kindness” – that blew me away because that day, I was having a very stressful day, yet, he saw something in my eyes. I think it’s compassion – or in other words, my love of Jesus.
Ah, this is precious, Loree. Precious.
You reflect God to the world through your eyes.
This has been the hardest lesson for me to learn as a “good Southern girl.” I am different. “I am fearfully and wonderfully made …” (Ps. 139:14b). And He created me to write.
And, in addition to being funny, you are an encourager, too. 🙂
I love Dr. Seuss! And you, Beth! 🙂 Hmm, what makes me stand out? I have no idea! Usually those are things others can see better than we can, I think.
I love how creative you are, Sarah — the variety I find in your blog!
Beth,
Love your photo clip, often feel like the little green fish : ) I think what makes me stand out is my honesty. Have a hard time pretending. Unless I’m writing. The most successful people I know are those who are most comfortable in their own skin. And it does seem to get easier as you age. One benefit at least!
Love honesty, Cynthia.
It is one of my most treasured values.
Great visual! Hmm, it is definitely not my height, I’m 5’2″ .5 on a good day 🙂
My boisterous laugh or my lil southern accent might stick out in a crowd. I love to be around people and hear their “story”…yes, I’m known to be a talker, but I take in every word that is said to me!
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